Description:

Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. 1000 CE. A ring made of electrum (51% gold, 28% silver) wire which has been twisted, and the twists braided, with the terminals wrapped in a flat sheet of electrum to form a smooth surface. The ring could have been worn by either a man or a woman, as Vikings of both sexes have been found buried with jewelry similar to this. Vikings coveted precious metals which they deposited in ritual hoards and which functioned as a wearable form of currency. Rings seem to have been a particularly valuable form, and the Icelandic Sagas are replete with stories of magical or otherwise powerful rings, which in turn inspired Tolkein! This wearable example is emblematic of that type. Size: 1.25" W (3.2 cm); electrum composition: 51% gold, 28% silver; weight: 14.4 grams; US ring size: 9.5-9.75.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#153333

  • Condition: Very slight bending to form but overall in excellent condition with light deposits in the lower profile areas. Wearable!

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March 12, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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